Diego Costa: Some referees hate me
Costa was booked for protesting in Atletico's win over Athletic
He also scored as Simeone's side kept within seven points of Barça
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa said that some -- not all -- referees hate him after scoring in his side's 2-0 win against Athletic Club on Sunday.
Substitute Kevin Gameiro opened the scoring at the Wanda, before Costa's strike ensured Diego Simeone's side remained with seven points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
As well as scoring, Costa felt he should have had a penalty when he was challenged by Unai Nunez in the area and he was later booked for arguing over an offside position.
"I think it's a penalty," the former Chelsea man said. "I was going to shoot, [Nunez] dives in, makes contact with me and puts me off balance. Not giving it is the referee's decision and I'm not going to complain."
However, he did complain about the caution he received.
He added: "You know how it is. [Some] referees hate me and there's no way to change it. Referees, not all of them, book me for the smallest thing.
"He was desperate to book me and that's that. There's no use thinking about it any more."
Asked if he felt he'd perhaps overstepped the line with his protests, Costa said: "If you look at the images, I didn't protest rudely. He wanted to book me and that's all."
Costa has scored four goals in eight appearances since he returned to Atletico in January.
